Abstract. The aim of this paper is to propose the main elements of a theoretical and methodological framework for the assessment of the success of complex policy mixes, to highlight the conflicts between individual instruments and other elements within those mixes and to propose policy recommendations in order to mitigate them. Some criteria are defined, and different levels of analysis are considered. The challenges in evaluating policy packages are illustrated with the case of the coexistence between renewable energy support and emissions trading schemes.

Abstract. Recent research suggests that the Big Five personality traits are important determinants of a wide range of political and social attitudes. In spite of this, the impact of personality traits on attitudes towards immigrants has been unattended in sociological research. On the basis of insights from personality psychology, we extend the sociological approach to immigrant-specific prejudice by analysing the effects of personality using a large and nationally representative sample of the Dutch population.

Abstract. Who do citizens blame for the recent European economic crisis? In this paper, we test theories about blame attribution with respect to the economic crisis. We argue that blame for the crisis is partially conditioned by partisan bias and framings of the crisis as being related to globalization. We test the argument with new survey data and a survey experiment from Spain. In the experiment, respondents receive different framings of the economic crisis which are endorsed by different political parties and non-partisan organizations.

Abstract. While the economic vote exists in Western democracies, the question of its stability remains a subject of controversy. This article focuses on two possible factors behind the instability observed: the endogeneity problem and the restricted variance problem. The former concerns the influence of partisan thinking on economic perception, while the latter concerns the influence of economic crisis, when virtually all voters may perceive a bad economy. These problems are examined using panel data from the Spanish national elections of 2008 and 2011.

Abstract. The impact of sociotropic economic satisfaction on the vote has been thoroughly analysed. However, knowledge about how citizens acquire information about the economy and the degree of correspondence between objective macroeconomic changes and citizens' subjective economic perceptions is much more limited. While the effect of partisan rationalisation has recently received some attention, the role of objective personal economic conditions in assessing national economic conditions is still unclear.

Abstract. Although a considerable amount is known about public preferences for multilevel government in the United States, there is less empirical evidence for other types of federations. Moreover, prior studies have neglected regional differences in intergovernmental policy preferences, despite the relevance of regional variation in places where territorial claims for autonomy exist. This article analyzes citizen preferences for the assignment of responsibility for social policies in Spain.

Abstract. This paper identifies the main determinants of fuel consumption by households in the passenger transport sector in Spain (private cars). We estimate a Generalised Method of Moments model using quarterly (panel) data on automotive fuel consumption by 8,000 households between 1998 and 2005. The paper shows a clear persistence of habit in fuel consumption and a strong, statistically significant relationship between household transport fuel consumption and income, price of public transport, and fuel prices.